Continuing a legacy to save lives - Leane Flynn's story.

By Susan Beardsley.

I grew up in the 80's in the Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne, in North Balwyn. My family lived in a quiet court and my sister and I would ride our bikes up and down the street with other neighbourhood kids until the sun set and it was time to head home. There were no phones and life seemed so simple back then.

It was where I met Sarah, my soon to become best friend. Sarah was a year older than me and had two older brothers. One of her brothers, Justin, moved to Ballarat for University after finishing high school. It was in Ballarat and through University where he met his wife Leane.

Justin & Leane were a modern day fairy-tale. From early on in their relationship they were inseparable. Bound by a love and connection that would unknowingly at the time sustain a tragedy 30 years into the future.

As a devoted mother of three beautiful girls, Leane's commitment to her family was evident in every aspect of her life. Despite being in good health and exhibiting no obvious symptoms, Leane's diagnosis in April 2017 came as a shock. It was during her routine gynaecological check-up that the presence of ovarian cancer was discovered through a blood test and ultrasound, revealing large tumours on her ovaries and another between her diaphragm and liver.

Despite the initial diagnosis and subsequent treatment, Leane's battle with ovarian cancer continued with recurrences in April 2018 and October 2018. Each recurrence brought new challenges, yet Leane remained vigilant, attuned to the symptoms and proactive in seeking medical attention. 

Leane's advocacy extended beyond her personal circles; she served as an ambassador for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) and the Witchery White Shirt campaign.

Through these platforms, she amplified her voice, championing early detection, research, and support for those affected by the disease. Her dedication to these causes resonated deeply within the community, leaving a lasting impact on those who crossed her path.

In her final months, Leane's perspective shifted towards cherishing the precious moments and seeking solace in the present. Her journey serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of living fully, embracing each day with gratitude, and advocating for causes that matter.

Leane’s passing at the age of 55 in late 2023 marked the end of a six-year battle, during which she tirelessly fought against the disease. This month is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Leane’s experience highlights the challenges faced by many women in detecting ovarian cancer early, emphasizing the urgent need for more effective diagnostic tools.

This is where we can help make a difference to those families living with Ovarian Cancer. Every gift purchased from Style Bundle gives back. Our purpose has always been to help others and as a female founded business – we are particularly passionate about supporting women to thrive and succeed. We’ve partnered with i=change and hand-selected three causes close to our heart, one of them being Ovarian Cancer Australia. We provide you, our client, with the power to choose a life-changing charity to support at the checkout and we contribute 0.5% from the sale on your behalf.

You can track our impact here and can read about Leane’s eldest daughter, Amelia, recently speaking bravely about her story in memory of her courageous mother during Ovarian Cancer awareness month.
https://media.bupa.com.au/continuing-a-legacy-to-save-lives